Saturday, September 8, 2012

minted & boxed :: part 2

note: this post is part of a two-part series on monthly subscription services that deliver fun and fashionable goods straight to your door. kind of like the 2012 version of your dad's old time-life and columbia house subscriptions that your mum used to get angry at him for forgetting to cancel {or was that just at my house?}...

walking through times square several years ago, i was offered a sample-sized tube of mascara. [cue "yes please"] the girl giving away the samples told me no one was stopping, and she couldn't understand why people didn't want something free, so she gave me two. [cue "yes please"] she was right; who doesn't want something free? [remember this ad?] then again, don't stand in the way of new yorkers - especially when they're trying to get through times square.

also, who doesn't love samples? i'm pretty sure they're the reason i shop at sephora. and what's more fun than the drugstore aisle with all the little travel-sized products? the recent success of american beauty sample company birchbox [and its global competitors] is proof of our love of samples - even when they're not free. the two-year-old company was started by two harvard business school grads who, like me, loved a good sample. they recognized that unlike clothing or books, beauty products were struggling to find a stronghold online because of their touch and try nature. so they created a samples-only service where, if you loved the product after trying it out, you could purchase the full-size edition on their site, as well as watch how-to videos featuring the monthly samples. genius! [watch a video about birchbox here]

here's how it works: you fill out a survey and sign up for a delivery of deluxe-sized cosmetic and skincare samples by top brands. the price and frequency of the delivery varies by company. here's a snapshot of what's out there, with a focus on canada-friendly services...

here's what i think: these services are perfect for frequent travelers, product junkies, anyone who's searching for the next trend and anyone who needs a little guidance. and in our increasingly digital world, it's fun to get a package in the mail - especially one that's wrapped so nicely. however, you could also end up with lots of unwanted products that take up precious bathroom cabinet real estate. in the process of writing this post, i signed up for the quarterly loose button box. if i don't like something, i'll give it away to a friend or donate it (unopened) to local women in need.

1 comment:

You should try Eco Emi, a subscription service that gives out all-natural beauty products. If you love natural stuff, they are amazing. But Birchbox to me has the best value, I've gotten tons of full-size products in my box for only 10 bucks a month.